Saudi Arabia: The Mecca Agreement for Joint Defense is not an escalation of tensions between any two countries

“The Foreign Ministry: The agreement does not represent a move to build a military axis or a sectarian bloc, nor is it linked to nuclear efforts or an arms race.

The Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Public Diplomacy, Ambassador Raed Qarmali, stated that the Mecca Agreement on Joint Defense among Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan is a manifestation of the deep strategic and historical relations between the three countries, and the culmination of detailed negotiations that lasted for years.

Qarmali clarified in a post on the ‘X’ platform that the agreement aims to develop joint defense capabilities, enhance strategic deterrence, and raise readiness, thereby supporting the three countries’ ability to jointly confront any threat to their security and territorial integrity. He noted that any external armed attack on one of the three countries is considered an attack on all of them.

He added that the agreement does not represent a move to build a military axis or a sectarian bloc, nor is it linked to nuclear efforts or an arms race; rather, it aims to build sustainable self-reliant capabilities.

He emphasized that the agreement does not come at the expense of the Kingdom’s strategic relations with Gulf countries, Arab nations, and the international community, is not directed against the security of any country in the region, and does not nullify or replace any existing bilateral or multilateral agreements between the countries or with international organizations.

Turkey: Mecca Agreement is purely defensive and does not target any state

The head of the communications department at the Turkish Presidency stated that the Mecca Agreement does not target any country and will contribute to enhancing security and collective deterrence.

A Turkish official also told Reuters that the defense agreement signed between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia is purely defensive in nature and includes a commitment to provide mutual support in the defense field only.

Pakistani Foreign Ministry: The agreement enhances peace, security, and stability

For her part, the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the agreement reflects a shared commitment to enhancing security and aims to support peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond.

It clarified that the defense agreement stipulates that any armed attack against any of the three countries is considered an attack on all of them.”